Darializa Avila Chevalier, a socialist candidate for New York's 13th Congressional District who won the Democratic primary this week, is facing renewed scrutiny over deleted social media posts that expressed support for communist ideology and praised Marxist principles.
The posts were found on an archived version of her former Twitter account Darializabonet, which was deleted in June 2022. According to reporting by CNN, the account called Karl Marx a "must read," complained that libraries did not provide enough Marxist literature, and quoted convicted cop killer Assata Shakur.
Avila Chevalier also previously faced criticism over other deleted posts calling to abolish police and discussing wiping her hands on an American flag. She defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat in Tuesday's primary election.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices have largely defended Avila Chevalier, pointing to her victory as a sign of shifting Democratic Party politics in deep-blue New York City.
Sen. John Fetterman, speaking on Fox News, did not defend the posts but questioned whether Democrats would distance themselves from the candidate. "Our party has become an orgy of socialism," he said during a Fox News appearance and posted on X. "Will Democrats continue to defend Crazypants or pretend, 'Oh, I wasn't really paying attention?'"
Avila Chevalier has been backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Her primary victory reflects growing DSA influence in urban Democratic politics.
Supporters argue that criticism of capitalism and support for socialist principles are legitimate positions within a party that already includes self-described democratic socialists. They note that Avila Chevalier's platform focuses on issues like healthcare, housing, and economic inequality that resonate with voters in the district.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have seized on the resurfaced posts to argue that DSA-backed candidates represent extreme elements within the Democratic Party.
Sen. Tim Sheehy posted on X: "The enemy is inside the gates. Socialism/communism have killed more people than every other -'ism' combined." He added: "These people are the vanguard of an America-hating wave of progressive lunatics."
Republican political commentator Scott Jennings posted on X: "Funny, I was told repeatedly on live TV that socialism and communism are totally different and in no way, shape or form are these Democratic Socialists the same as communists."
Conservative critics have drawn comparisons between democratic socialism and more radical communist ideology. Reality TV star Spencer Pratt, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, posted: "'Democratic Socialist' is to the Communist what 'National Socialist' was to the Nazi."
What the Numbers Show
Avila Chevalier defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York's 13th Congressional District Democratic primary on Tuesday. The district covers upper Manhattan and is one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the country.
The incumbent Espaillat had represented the district since 2017. Final vote totals have not yet been certified, but Avila Chevalier is widely expected to defeat her Republican opponent in November given the district's heavily Democratic voter registration.
CNN political commentator Scott Jennings noted on X that the posts calling Marx a "must read" and criticizing capitalism represent views held by many within the DSA.
The Bottom Line
Avila Chevalier will likely represent New York's 13th Congressional District in Congress following November's general election, given the district's strong Democratic leanings. Her victory marks another primary win for DSA-backed candidates in urban districts.
The controversy over her deleted posts highlights ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about the boundaries of acceptable political ideology. Critics argue that praising communist figures falls outside mainstream Democratic values, while supporters contend that democratic socialism represents a legitimate alternative economic framework.
Fox News Digital reached out to Avila Chevalier for comment on this story.